First report of Paraleyrodes minei in Cyprus
The NPPO of Cyprus recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first report of Paraleyrodes minei (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae – nesting whitefly) on its territory. On 2014-07-21, the pest was incidentally found causing defoliation on Ficus benjamina and F. binnendijkii in Nicosia and Limassol districts. Affected plants were grown outdoors for ornamental purposes. The identity of the whitefly was confirmed by Fera (GB). It is noted that P. minei was widespread in the area of Nicosia in public greens and private gardens, as well as in the area of Limassol where it was recorded in a garden centre, public greens and private gardens. No phytosanitary measures were taken.
The pest status of Paraleyrodes minei in Cyprus is officially declared as: Present, seasonally.
Sources
NPPO of Cyprus (2014-11).